The name Beaupré was recorded in 1636, when seven partners formed the Compagnie de Beaupré. Their seigneury ran from the Montmorency River to Baie-Saint-Paul and included Île d’Orléans. A common explanation is that Breton sailors admired the meadow along the shore and cried out “Oh! le beau pré” (what a lovely meadow).
The town at a glance
RCMLa Côte-de-Beaupré
Côte-de-Beaupréat the mouth of the Sainte-Anne River
Life in Beaupré
The vibe
A town that is both residential and tourist-oriented, with a focus on the outdoors. The Mont-Sainte-Anne resort draws skiers in winter and mountain bikers in summer.
The housing
Mostly single-family homes, along with semi-detached houses, duplexes and small apartment buildings. In the 2021 census, about three households in ten were renting.
Nearby
Canyon Sainte-Anne · Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica · Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Good to know
Boulevard Sainte-Anne (Route 138) and Avenue Royale (Route 360) connect Beaupré to Québec City, about 40 km to the west. Route 360 also leads to the Mont-Sainte-Anne resort.
Landmarks
- Mont-Sainte-Anne
- Sainte-Anne River
- Boulevard Sainte-Anne
History
The history of Beaupré
- 1636Compagnie de Beaupré is formed
- 1927Paper mill is built
- 1928Municipality established
- 1962Beaupré becomes a town
- 1966Mont-Sainte-Anne resort opens
For a long time, Beaupré’s territory was split between two of Québec’s oldest parishes, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and Saint-Joachim. In the early 20th century, logs cut in the back country came down to a sawmill on Île Labranche, in Beaupré. In 1927, Saint-Joachim gave up part of its territory to form the new parish.
The municipality was created on April 23, 1928, under the name Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire. Because several parishes already had that name, it became Beaupré the same year. It gained town status in 1962.
In the fall of 1943, volunteer skiers from Québec City and Beaupré cleared a first run on Mont Sainte-Anne. The resort opened on January 16, 1966, owned at the time by the Town of Beaupré, and the Québec government took it over in 1970. The paper mill, dating from 1927, closed in 2009.
Frequently asked questions about Beaupré
Where is Beaupré?
On the Côte-de-Beaupré, about 40 km east of Québec City, on the St. Lawrence. The town lies between Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and Saint-Joachim.
Is Mont Sainte-Anne in Beaupré?
Yes. The 803 m mountain and its winter sports resort are within Beaupré’s limits. Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges sits on its eastern side.
Where does the name Beaupré come from?
It comes from the seigneury and the Compagnie de Beaupré, a name recorded in 1636. It is often explained by the fine meadow along the shore, the “beau pré” that Breton sailors are said to have seen.
How do I find an apartment for rent in Beaupré?
Rental units managed by Lease Lane in Beaupré will soon be listed on the site, along with the online rental application. In the meantime, Cléo can notify you as soon as a unit is posted.
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